Clear Watery Discharge: Possible Causes & When You Should Worry?

Cervical mucus or discharge is very important as it flushes out the bacteria and maintains pH balance to prevent infections. Changes in color and consistency of the discharge are normal throughout the menstrual cycle. However if the changes are abnormal then it can be an indication of a serious health issue.

So, in this article let’s talk about clear watery discharge – is it normal or something you need to worry about…

Possible Causes of Clear Watery discharge

1. Clear watery discharge due to ovulation

During ovulation, the mature egg will be released from the ovaries. This is the fertile phase of your menstrual cycle. Just before ovulation, estrogen levels get increased which leads to clear watery mucus production. This type of mucus helps the sperm to move up the fallopian tube in order to meet the egg. Clear watery discharge is usually normal without odor. However if you have noticed vaginal itching or fishy smell discharge then it is better to consult the doctor.

2. Clear Watery Discharge during Puberty

During the puberty, when the teenagers reach the age of 10 – 12 years, the cervix starts to produce mucus for the first time. The first mucus that starts during puberty will look like egg white. This can be caused due to estrogen production. As the hormones start swirl, clear watery discharge during puberty is considered pretty normal and nothing to worry about.

3. Clear Watery Discharge – A Sign of Pregnancy

Clear watery discharge can also be a sign of pregnancy. This type of cervical mucus is produced after conception. Clear watery discharge is caused by an increase in estrogen hormone levels. If you had unprotected sex around ovulation then there is high chance that you might be pregnant. Usually, this discharge should be odorless or mild odor. It doesn’t cause itching and burning sensation.

4. Clear Watery Discharge before Period

Having a clear watery discharge before period is pretty normal. Due to increase in estrogen hormone levels and decrease in progesterone levels, the cervical mucus thins down and only clear watery discharge is released from the vagina. This decline in the cervical mucus will helps the uterine lining to shed.

5. Clear Watery Discharge after Period

The days after period are considered as dry days. Just before the fertile period, mucus production starts. Initially a clear watery discharge is produced. Later the thick, creamy white discharge is produced just before the ovulation. However if the discharge smells odd or causes itching then you have to consult a gynecologist.

6. Clear Watery Discharge Instead of Periods

If you are experiencing watery discharge instead of periods then it can be an indication of something serious like…

Fibroids

PCOD

Polyps

Hormonal imbalance

An STD

Endometriosis

Cervical Cancer

Pelvic Inflammatory Discharge

There is no exact reason for this condition. You should consult a physician in order to get diagnosed and know the exact reason.

7. Clear Watery Discharge during Pregnancy

During pregnancy, woman’s body undergoes a lot of changes. The hormones estrogen and progesterone increase to support the fetus development. Normally, the cervical mucus during pregnancy should be clear, transparent with no odor or blood. However, if the discharge is strange or has a bad odor then it is better to consult a gynecologist.

8. Clear Watery Discharge after Intercourse

If you are sexually aroused then clear watery discharge is actually pretty normal. This discharge is actually not produced by vagina. There are two glands just above the vagina which cause the discharge. This clear watery discharge helps the penetration easier. Some women may also experience water discharge for hours after having sex. This is completely normal and just states that the glands haven’t yet stopped the product. But don’t worry the production of the mucus will stop on its own.

9. Clear Watery Discharge Due to Infection

If you are experiencing clear watery discharge with symptoms like itching, swelling and bad odor then it can be caused due to yeast infection. Some infections that can lead to this discomfort are

Bacterial vaginosis

Yeast vaginitis

Trichomonas Vaginitis

Herpes genitials

Postpartum infection

Parasitic Infection

So, if you are experiencing abnormal discharge then it is better to consult a gynecologist to treat the problem in early stages.

10. Clear Watery Discharge due to Birth Control Pills

If you have been taking any medication, birth control pills or steroids for a longer period of time then it can cause excessive watery secretions. These medications may contain certain chemicals which interfere with enzymes of the uterine lining which leads to fluid secretion that is clear like raw egg white. If you are experiencing it consult a doctor as soon as possible as it can lead to fatigue and deficiencies.

When should you worry about clear watery discharge?

If you are experiencing sudden changes in the color and consistency of the discharge then it is better to consult a gynecologist to pinpoint the root cause. Below are the few changes that indicate a problem…

Watery discharge with cheesy clumps: If the discharge is accompanied by small clumps of cheese like looking substance and associated with itching or burning sensation can be sign of any internal problems.

Sticky Discharge: If the discharge is watery initially but tends to get sticky and clump together is not a good sign. Sometimes, it can give your legs a sticky kind of feeling.

Colored discharge: sometimes, the watery discharge can have a different color like yellow, brown, pink, green or grey. Any abnormal color is a sign of something wrong.

Foul Smell: Usually, watery discharge doesn’t have any odor but if it is has fishy or rotten egg smell then it can be troublesome which shouldn’t be left untreated.

Cloudy discharge: Sometimes the watery discharge can become white and clouded with bad odor accompanied by itching or burning sensation. If experiencing it then you have to seek medical help for treatment.

Ways to Ease the Discomfort Caused by Clear Watery Discharge

If you want to ease the discomfort caused by excessive clear watery discharge then below are few tips that can help you…

1. Panty Liners

If the watery discharge is making your panty fully wet then it can cause some discomfort and lead to rashes. So, we recommend wearing panty liners or thin pads. They absorb the watery discharge and prevent wetness. This is a great way to avoid the feeling of self-consciousness. We avoid using tampons for absorbing the watery discharge.

2. Air Circulation

If you can, we recommend you sleep naked overnight without underwear. You can place a towel on the bedsheet so that it doesn’t get wet. Air circulation helps to decrease the chances of infection and irritation. Airing out also helps to solve the issue of bacteria imbalance.

3. Underwear

Change the underwear as soon as it gets completely wet. Make sure to carry an extra panty with you as it helps to change and avoid discomfort. This helps to prevent bacteria build up as they breed in moist environments which can lead to infection.

4. Use Baby Wipes

Baby wipes are very effective in keeping the vagina clean and bacteria-free. Make sure to avoid inserting wipes into the vagina. Just clean the out of the vagina to remove wetness and odor that is causing discomfort. If possible, we recommend using unscented baby wipes.

5. Boost Immune System

Watery discharge is usually not a serious health condition but excess production of it can lead to moisture buildup and bacterial growth. By boosting your immune system, you can avoid the bacteria buildup and infections.

Below are few herbs that help to boost immune system and fight off the infection…

Saraca Ashoka

D-mannose

Vitamin C

Cimicifuga Racemosa

You can brew some tea from these herbs and drink regularly to boost your immune system. Apart from that eat foods that help you boost your immune system. Sometimes, the discharge can be caused due to urinary tract infections. So, you can take cranberry juice to treat it before it worsens.

Final Thoughts

Experiencing watery discharge can be annoying and frustrating but usually in most of the cases it is normal. However, if there is anything abnormal then consult your gynecologist to treat the cause in early stages.

If you have any other questions regarding clear watery discharge then write to us in the comments section below. We love to clarify your doubts.